Holder for sheet microfilm



Aug. 9, 1966 A. l.. BAPTIE 3,264,770

HOLDER FOR SHEET MICROFILM Filed Jan. 2, 1964 ffl/5 J 44 J0, 52 ggf asl A IS 42" .50

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3,264,770 HOLDER FOR SHEET MICROFILM Alexander L. Baptie, La Crosse, Wis., assignor to Microcard Corporation, a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Jan. 2, 1964, Ser. No. 335,273 7 Claims. (Cl. 40-158) is increasing. One type of microphotographic reproduc- Unted States Patent O tion in use is a film strip which is on the order of four inches by six inches and has exposed thereon a plurality of pages of copy in greatly reduced size. A single strip of film may contain forty to sixty pages from a book or magazine. This strip or sheet of microfilm, which is also referred to as a fiche, is a relatively delicate product when compared with the usually stiff opaque cards on which microphotographs are frequently printed. While the microphotographic cards have a relatively longer life, it has been found that illustrations from a transparency or fiche may be reproduced better than from a microphotographic card. Thus, in many applications, use of a fiche is preferred.

The fiche, however, cannot be easily used for an extended time as it is subject to wear and tear during each use. The unprotected surfaces of the fiche may be scratched when the fiche is inserted into or removed from a microphotographic reader. Fingerprints resulting from handling of the fiche may reduce the readability of the images thereon. The fiche is further subject to scratching and damage when being removed and returned to an opaque envelope in which the fiche is commonly stored. Critical data is generally marked on the exterior of the enevelope to inform the Searcher of the contents. Thus, storing of the fiche has been a problem.

It has been proposed that fiches be enclosed in glass plates for better protection. This method has proved unsatisfactory for ydirt can collect on any one of six surfaces (four on the glass plates and two on the liche) thus reducing the effective reproducibility of the images. There is a tendency on the part of the Searcher to handle the glass, again leaving fingerprints which reduce the clarity in reproduction. Further, when using glass covered 'fiches in a microphotographic reader, there is danger of overheating the fiche as there is no air movement over the surf-ace of the fiche, thereby resulting in possible damage to the fiche.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an annular open support for a flexible fiche which will keep the tiche in a fiat and taut condition at all times, and thereby facilitate handling, use, and storage of such liche.

Another object of t-he present invention is to provide a support for a flexible sheet of microfilm which will hold the microfilm in a fiat and tensioned condition so as to permit the support to be inserted into a reading machine, enlarging machine, or other device in such manner that no glass, metal or other material will touch either the .front or back surfaces of the microfilm, thereby preventing scratching or other damage to the microfilm.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel holder for a relatively delicate sheet of microfilm which will facilitate handling of the sheet in use While minimizing possible damage thereto, such holder being fabricated inexpensively.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will lbecome apparent as the following description Patented August 9, 1966 proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to land forming a part of this specifcation.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of a fiche which may be utilized with the holder of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a fiche hol-der of the present invention with a fiche being indicated in broken line;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the 4holder taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 and showing a fiche carried on the holder;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holder similar to FIGURE 3 and illustrating a modified construction of the opposed side members of the holder whereby spacer means are provided for additional protection of the fiche;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the manner of afiixing a fiche to a pin member protruding from the frame of the preferred holder, with the deiiection of the ,frame being exaggerated for clarity;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a modified holder wherein means are provided on opposed sides of the holder for crimping a che to the holder;

FIGURE 7 is an end view of the modified holder shown in FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a detail view on au enlarged scale illustrating the means for afiixing a fiche to an opposed side of the modified holder of FIGURE 6.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGURE 1 a generally rectangular fiche or sheet of microfilm 10 upon which is reproduced a plurality of microphotographs. Illustratively, the fiche is three by live inches or four by six inches. An upper elongated border portion 12 may be provided on the fiche 10. T'his border portion constitutes a title area upon which title indici-a or other informational data may be printed in legible size characters. The central portion of the facing side of the fiche of FIGURE 1 has a plurality of microphotographs 14 printed thereon, as is indicated by the plurality of rectangular areas.

Provided along two opposed edges of the fic-he 10 are a plurality of openings 16, such openings being spaced along the length of the fiche. Though openings 16 are illustrated as key-shaped slots, it will be understood that slots elongated lengthwise of the fiche or openings having other shapes may be formed adjacent opposed edges of the fiche. The most important considerations concerning the orientation of openings 16 and pins 24 are (l) that the openings be spaced along the fiche the same distance apart as the pins 24, (2) the openings be at least as large and perhaps somewhat larger than the maximum diameter or width of the pins to prevent tearing of the fiche about the openings and to facilitate mounting of the fiche on the pins, and (3) the minimum distance between openings 16 on opposed sides of fiche 10` must be less than the spacing between associated pins on the sides of frame 18 in order to tension a fiche after it has been mounted on a holder or frame.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a preferred holder or support for supporting the fiche shown in FIGURE 1. The holder comprises a generally annular rectangular frame means 1S having a first pair of opposed sides 20 and 21'and a second pair of sides 22 and 23 for connecting the sides 2t) and 21. The frame means 18 is generally planar and may be formed from a single sheet of metal or like substantially rigid mat'erial. Extending outwardly substantially at right angles from the opposed sides 20 and 21 of the frame 18 are means for holding a tiche on the framek comprising a plurality of pins 24 which are spaced along the length of the sides` tion 26 for engaging the openings in the che and re-V taining the tiche in taut and tensioned condition onithe frame.v The free vends or enlarged heads 25 of the pins 24 extend beyond the surface of the iiche.18 vsothat when holders or frames 18 are stored adjacent one another, the pins will space adjacent holders from one ,another and thereby further protect the surfaceof `the che 10'.

Referring to FIGURE 4, there is illustrated a modified holder for further protecting the ends of the tiche. The sides 20 and 21 of the holder may be formed from angle members or may be angle shaped in cross section. The sides 20 and 21 of the modified frame rinclude upstanding legs 30 and 31 which extend outwardly from the plane of the frame 18. The upstauding legs will function as spacer means to protect'the surfaces of the tiche during storage when the holders are stacked adjacent to one an-l other and also to prevent damage to the ends Vof the liche.

In FIGURE 5, -there is shown one manner ofv atiixing a liche in place on a frame 18. By virtue of the resiliency and yieldable nature of frame 18, and particularly the connecting members 22 and 23, it will be apparent that the connecting members 22 and 23 may be bowed and the side' members 20 and 21 of the frame moved toward one another to align the pins or lugs 24 with the openings 16 inthe fiche 10. Upon release of the force urging the side Amembers 20 and 21 toward one another to permit alignment of the pins 24 with the openings 16 -in' the tiche,-

the inherent resiliency of the side connecting members 22 vand 23 will tend to move the members 20 and 21 from one another, thereby tensioning the liche 10 and holding the che taut and ilat on the holder 18. The frame, 18

maybe constructed to accommodate bending thereofk about diagonally opposed corners'to permit alignment of the pins 24 with the openings in the che. Similarly, upon release of the frame after alignment of lugs 24 With openings 16, the frame will tend to restore itself to its initial planar state, thereby tensioning the fiche. The.

fiche holder is reusable to support other fiches.

The frame or holder 18 extends beyond the edges of the ch'e, thereby protecting the tiche and facilitating` handling `and storage of a che with a minimum of wear and tear. Furthermore, the operator may handle the holder and need not touch Xthe tiche, thereby no fingerprints might interfere with reading of the fiche will ap-` pear on the fiche.

Referring to FIGURES 6, 7 and 8, there is illustrated a modification of the liche holder of the present invention.

The tiche holder 43 comprises a generally rectangular frame having a pair of side members 40 and 42 interconnected by side connecting members 44 and 46. The

fiche 10 is retained lin the lm holder by means of the outer portions or ends 48'and 50 of the side members 40 and 42 of holder 43 being bent over the hn and crimped thereto to hold the fiche in place.

In normal'assembly of a fiche to the holder, one; end of a side, as for example, the end 50, will be crimped to hold the tiche. The connecting side members 44 and 46 may then be bowed or bent (similar to the manner indicated in FIGURE to permit tension to be applied to i the fiche when the side 48 is crimped in place. Ordinarily, the frame or holder may be bent or bowed manually to permit appropriate tensioned mounting of theiiche on the supporting frame'structure.

It will b'e understood that a plurality of projections maybe spaced along each of the ends 48 and 50 :to provide means for better securing an edge of the tiche. in place onzthe frame. The protrusions or projections 52 ner that no glass, metal, or other materialwill touch the front or back surfaces of vthe .lichen This -is extremely' important as the fiche is readily susceptible to scratching.- Further, by holding the fiche .taut in undesirable matter. glass plates were futilizedtohold the tiche,v there would be atleast six surfaces that would collect dirt, grit, etc., that is four surfaces on ;the glass vp1ateand=two on the fiche: The holder of,;the present invention reduces the dirtA catching. surfaces to two and thereby-*minimizesthe likelihood of dirt interfering with the reading of the fiche,

The' fiche holder isjdesigned to provide =a modest but continuous spring tension to hold the fiche taut and -tiat at `all times.; By virtuefotV this inherent resiliency and liexibility, changes in ,fichet size brou-ght aboutfby variations in temperaturehumidityand general aging l,of the tiche.;

The .fiche holderV of'the present invention suspends the iche in-open airand thereby the ldanger. of overheating of the iichel in a reading machine is greatlyVV minimized for air currents may pass directly ove-rl the surface of the no glass or other interfering media to che and there is restrict convection.

With respect'to the reusable tiche holder disclosed in'v FIGURES y1-f5, the camera used to film the che would have register marks that wouldphotograph. on the yiilm in exactly -the same relative position'every time. By; use ofthese register marks, the alignmentholes or openings in the-fiche could be taccurately loicated andvthereby the che ,could be affixed to' a holder in an accurate prede-V to cover a-ll such changes and modications asfall within.

the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as -new and desire lto secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:i

1. A support for protecting a vtiexible fiche vhavinga front information-carrying surface .and fa back surface,

said support comprising frame means having opposed sidel membersY andresilient, opposed connecting members interconnecting said opposed side members and-being bendable from an untensioned planar disposition tomove the opposed `side :members toward one another, and means on each of said opposed side members* forzsecuring an adjacent edge vof said tiche to said side members when :said side mem-bers lhave :been moved ,toward one lanother,- whereby upon :release of the side members, :the connecting members of the frame means will move toward `their planar position v'to hold lthe tiexible' fiche taut and in tension.A

2.y A supportv as in claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises at least one member-on each `of said opposedv side members crimped over an edge of said tiche.

3.' A supportas in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprise a plurality of pins projecting generally in the"Y same ydirection'from t said opposedside members, said pins being adapted to engage in Vopeningszin said tiche adjacent the kperipheral opposed edges thereof, the spacing f the holder, it will rcmainin focuse in thereading machine with no mev chanical pressure plate or1other apparatusbeing required. v

When a fiche Vis retained in the holder of the present f invention, there are only two surfaces, the frontandr ther back surface of the tiche, which collect dirt, grit or other In previouse constructions whereinV the holder will accommodate the ,minute 4. A support as in claim 1 including means on at least two sides of said frame means projecting from the frame means to provide a spacer -between adjacent stored supports, whereby damage to the surfaces of the fiche is minimized.

S. A support for a sheet of microfilm having -a plurality of aligned openings along opposed edges, the openings along one edge being spaced a predetermined distance from the openings on the other edge, said support comprising an annular frame member including a pair of opposed sides movable toward and away from one another, and a plurality of protrusions spaced along said sides of said frame member and adapted to engage in said openings in said sheet of microlm, said opposed sides being movable toward one another to align said protrusions with said -openings and being movable away from one another to enable said protrusions to hold said sheet of microfilm on said frame member, said protrusions on one side being spaced from the pro-trusions on the other side a distance greater than said predetermined distance between openings along opposed adges of the microfilm so as to tension the microfilm and maintain it taut on the support during use.

6. A holder for a liche having a plurality of aligned key-shaped openings along each side, the openings along one side being spaced a predetermined distance from the openings along the opposed side, said holder comprising a unitary, planar generally rectangular frame having a first pair of opposed sides and a second pair of resilient, yieldable opposed sides, said frame being constructed and arranged to return to its planar disposition when the second sides are bent therefrom, each of said first pair of sides having a plurality of headed pins extending therefrom and adapted to engage in openings in the fiche, the

distance between the pins on the opposed first sides being 'greater than said predetermined distance between openings in the liche, the frame being yieldable to align the pins on said first pair of sides with the openings in the liche, rthe heads of the pins extending into the openings in the fiche, whereby upon release of said frame, the frame will tend to return to its planar disposition and the pins will engage the fiche to hold it taut upon the frame.

7. A holder for a liche having a plurality of openings spaced along -opposed edges thereof with the openings along one edge 'being spaced a predetermined distance from the openings along the other edge, said holder cornprising a unitary frame including a pair of parallel opposed sides having pin means projecting therefrom and resilient connecting side members aiiixed to said opposed sides, the distance be-tween pin means on the opposed sides being greater than said predetermined distance between openings in the liche, said connecting side members .being yieldable from an untensioned condition to permit said pin means on said opposed sides to be aligned with said openings in said liche, whereby when said frame is released, said fiche is tensioned and held taut on said frame,

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,567,310 12/1925 Weeks 40-152 2,088,944 8/1937 Young 40-152 2,752,712 7/1956 Hase 40-152 2,908,986 10/1959 Grimal 40-152 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

WENCELSO I. CONTRERAS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SUPPORT FOR PROTECTING A FLEXIBLE FICHE HAVING A FRONT, INFORMATION-CARRYING SURFACE AND A BACK SURFACE, SAID SUPPORT COMPRISING FRAME MEANS HAVING OPPOSED SIDE MEMBERS AND RESILIENT, OPPOSED CONNECTING MEMBERS INTERCONNETING SAID OPPOSED SIDE MEMBERS AND BEING BENDABLE FROM AN UNTENSIONED PLANAR DISPOSITION TO MOVE THE OPPOSED SIDE MEMBERS TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, AND MEANS ON EACH OF SAID OPPOSED SIDE MEMBERS FOR SECURING AN ADJACENT EDGE OF SAID FICHE TO SAID SIDE MEMBERS WHEN SAID SIDE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN MOVED TOWARD ON ANOTHER, WHEREBY UPON RELEASE OF THE SIDE MEMBERS, THE CONNECTING MEMBERS OF THE FRAME MEANS WILL MOVE TOWARD THEIR PLANAR POSITION TO HOLD THE FLEXIBLE FICHE TAUT AND IN TENSION. 